News

UK Minister Visits CWGC Sites

24 September 2013

In preparation for the forthcoming First World War Centenary,
the Rt Hon Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent and
Minister of State in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport,
visited a number of CWGC sites in Belgium and France.

Accompanied by Andy Stillman and Glyn Prysor of the 1914-18
Project Team, the Minister spent time at St Symphorien Military
Cemetery, where the party was joined by His Excellency Jonathan
Brenton, British Ambassador to Belgium.

The Minister said of his visit to St Symphorien, 'I am grateful
to CWGC team for organising such an interesting and
thought-provoking visit. I was struck by the serenity and history
of the cemetery and the opportunities it offers for an Anglo/German
commemorative event next year. As a former soldier myself, I was
very impressed by the work done by the Commission both in
maintaining the cemetery to such a high standard and for the start
of the anniversary next year'.

Of particular interest to the Minister, having served as an
officer in the Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry, was the
visit to Zandvoorde where, in October 1914, the Life Guards
sustained heavy losses as they took part in the defence of
the village. The Minister took time to discuss the content of the
new information panel and was particularly impressed by the
images.